Rodgers: We are showing our fight
A breathless Brendan Rodgers highlighted the tenacity and character of the Liverpool team that eventually defeated Middlesbrough in the Capital One Cup third round after an historic penalty shootout at Anfield.
The Reds led on two separate occasions in a dramatic encounter that needed extra time on Merseyside, with 17-year-old debutant Jordan Rossiter and late substitute Suso registering on the scoresheet.
But the Championship outfit fought back each time, levelling initially through Adam Reach on the hour mark and later in the very final seconds of the 120 minutes, via a penalty won and converted by Patrick Bamford.
A total of 30 spot-kicks were attempted in the subsequent decider, with every single member of the respective XIs taking at least one, and in many cases two, before Albert Adomah's miss ultimately settled the tie in the hosts' favour.
"It was great for the spirit of the team," reflected Rodgers. "The dressing room is very happy, we got through and we're into the next round.
"We haven't started great this season, but whilst we've still been finding our form, I think we've shown in the cup games and in the tournaments that we certainly have that character and fight.
"I was obviously pleased to get through and that experience, even though it was a long night for everyone, was great for our young players. It's good to win, no matter how you win.
"We played OK in the game; we didn't create a great deal, to be honest, but we showed good perseverance to keep going. Like the way it is at the moment, we made too many mistakes and we got punished for that in the game.
"We're making mistakes at the moment - too many mistakes. The first goal I was disappointed with, and even more so the second goal.
"We were in control of the game, Middlesbrough's legs were just about gone and we didn't need to offer them any encouragement, but we gave the ball away sloppily and they go through and get the penalty.
"But the players showed great resilience and mentality to keep going. And at the end, when it was needed they showed wonderful composure, some of our young players stepping up to take the penalties.
"It was very difficult - even the 'keepers scored. It was really good quality. You can see why Middlesbrough are up near the top of the Championship, they are a good side and are organised. We wish them luck now for the rest of their season."
The fixture schedule tasked Liverpool with a fourth match in 10 days this evening, and Rodgers shuffled his available options ahead of Saturday's Merseyside derby against Everton.
While the necessity for extra time was clearly not the ideal scenario, the Northern Irishman pointed to a similar situation last season, when such circumstances were followed by a 1-0 home win over rivals Manchester United.
He continued: "For the majority of the guys, they needed the game time. I was pleased with the minutes the players got.
"We had a similar situation when we played Notts County [last season], when I played a more senior team that night. We got through in the end, but it went into extra time - and then we won the game the following weekend against Manchester United 1-0.
"We made it hard for ourselves, but thankfully the quality and perseverance of the players got us through. For me, job done. I don't need to be jumping up and down. We won, we went through, well played Middlesbrough and well done to us.
"Tonight is good for our spirit and camaraderie in the group, to win like that. Now we have a bit of time to prepare and get ready for a massive game at the weekend."
In addition to praising the contributions of Rossiter and Jordan Williams, both making their maiden senior appearances for the Reds, Rodgers was positive in assessing the efforts of Jose Enrique and Adam Lallana.
"Adam is still probably in his pre-season phase because he hasn't played over the course of pre-season due to injury," the boss added. "So for him to get the game time was really good.
"I was really impressed with Jose Enrique, because I watched Albert Adomah [his opposite number] in the Championship when I was with Swansea City and I know how good a player he is and how fast he is.
"There's not many fitter than Albert. Jose came in and played the whole game against him. I thought he was outstanding."